Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examinations at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio - TX. Examinations include but not limited to all body regions - including complex with multiplanar reformations - 3-dimensional reconstructions - dynamic contrast imaging - body MRI. Performs - diagnostic x-rays of all body regions - bone-length/survey examinations - general fluoroscopic - both in outpatient clinic and in the operating room.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program - evidenced by a certificate or An associate degree - accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).] Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology - Radiography (ARRT) (R)
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination
• Credentialing Standards
• Public Law 97-35 - the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 - requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75 - Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel
• Essentially - they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• Grandfathering Provision
• All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title - series and grade held - including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) - GS-09: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08) - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• KSAs: And the candidate must demonstrate ALL of the following knowledge - skills - and abilities (KSAs) and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*)
• Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently
• DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level - clinical instruction - and basic QM type duties within the program
• Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment - the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge - skills - and abilities to perform at this level
• Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.* Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.* Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• Preferred Experience: Comfortable with GE MRI Scanner At least 1 yr
• experience in hospital setting Experience with advanced studies such as cardiac -perfusion - and DTI Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - to stand and walk
• Moderate lifting - 15-44 pounds
• Straight pulling (2 hours)
• Pushing (4 hours)
• Constant noise
• Reaching above shoulder
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Use of fingers
• Both hands required
• Walking (4 hours)
• Standing (4 hours)
• Kneeling (2 hours)
• Repeated bending (2 hours)
• Both legs required
• Both eyes required
• Hearing (aid may be permitted)
• Hearing without aid
• Mental and emotional stability.

Duties

• The first cut-off date is 04/06/2025
• Additional applications will be referred as needed
• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - 80% Ensures that adequate quantities of MRI supplies are available to meet workload demands
• Assures that MRI scan rooms are stocked with necessary supplies at all times with special attention to emergent equipment and supplies
• Performs magnetic resonance imaging of the head - neck - spine - chest and body with and without the use of contrast materials
• Performs all exams utilizing aseptic techniques
• This requires proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for patient contact - preparation of contrast and supplying of catheters when applicable - and other supplies that will come in contact with the patient
• Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team
• Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam
• Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition - sterile field - catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations - etc
• The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination - recognize patient reactions - anticipate technique factor difficulties - etc
• Prepares and administers contrast materials
• These contrast materials are used in the exams performed in MRI area and the technologist must know the effects and reactions to the contrast
• Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and - therefore - it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material use is possessed by those who prepare it
• General Radiography - 20% Work Schedule: Saturday- Sunday 8am-6:30 pm - Monday-Tuesday 1:30pm-12am or Monday-Wednesday 9:30am-6pm - Thursday-Friday 4pm-12am
• Other Tours may be added as needed
• Must be flexible with scheduling and duty assignments
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 53792-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized